We spent a couple days in Cold Lake. And it was really nice to relax and hang out. Most of what happened during this couple day period was that we played on the computer, walked around, worked out, eat some delicious homemade food, watched TV, watched HOCKEY PLAYOFFS, and enjoyed meeting part of Joel's family. Some of the best parts were:
Going to the high school where we played in the gym for a couple hours. This meant a pickup basketball game, three against three. Then a game called skittles, which involves using dodge balls to knock bowling pins over. And an awesome game of dodgeball which Joel's uncle made up! That was pretty awesome. We had lots of fun and I can't lie I was pretty sore the next day from all the jumping and dodging. But it was tons of fun!
We also headed to the actual Lake for a cookout. This was tons of fun and a definite call back to my childhood. We had hot dogs, which we roasted over an open fire. Then I put mine in a bun, with cheese, ketchup, and chips! It was pretty awesome. And finally we ended the dinner with marshmallows Naturally we roasted them as well and they were yummy and gooey and warm! After the dinner, par for the course in my family too, we headed for a walk around the lake. It was really beautiful and since the lake was frozen any breeze coming from that side would be COLD, even though it was shorts weather otherwise. It was a really weird, but cool feeling. We also went to a marshy area where there were lots of frogs making noises, something I thought sounded like an engine or machine, but was frogs! It was pretty cool to see the vibrations on the lake when they made the noises. We walked around some more and then headed home to watch hockey!
We also spent an evening playing soccer in the backyard. It was pretty intense and really fun! Lots of running around and chasing each other. Once again it was three on three and we were all sweaty and tired after about two hours playing in the backyard. But it was nice to hang out and do some of the things I would have done with my family 8 years ago.
We also got a nice tour of the area. Including the schools, some of the stores, and of course the Airbase there. Apparently it is the largest airbase in Canada. Although we didn't see any planes taking off we did see lots of the planes just sitting there. And of course we walked around the display planes which was fun to see as well!
All in all Cold Lake was really fun, relaxing, and something we really needed after so many days on the road. Hanging out, eating, and playing was pretty awesome. And now we are heading to Calgary to visit MY aunt! Lots of family time!
Saturday, 11 May 2013
Day 73: On the Way to Cold Lake
So we woke up this morning and headed into Regina. We had two stops planned before we headed to Moose Jaw where we were going to go in the Hot Springs. Our first stop was the Prairie Museum. Unfortunately this was in the process of being moved to another location, therefore it was closed. So we headed to the second museum which was the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. That was really awesome.
This museum is by donation and is totally worth whatever you decide to pay because it was very interesting! Although it was mostly geared towards younger kids (I think) it was really fun and had some interesting facts and displays. Lot of information. We could have spent a couple hours just walking around their three different areas. We did probably spend about two hours there and learned a lot. Mostly about the dinosaurs and the land as well as the Native people who used to live in Saskatchewan. It was a museum (clearly) all about Saskatchewan!
After the museum we headed to Moose Jaw. This is a city which was apparently headquarters to Al Capo at one time. Although this is just a rumor it is possible, as there are lots of underground tunnels heading not only through the city, but also into America. So we parked the car and walked around. The original plan was to go to a spa which had mineral water specialized from this area. But we decided it wouldn't be worth it and instead drove around town for a bit. It was cool to see all the different buildings and tourist attractions. Although all-in-all Moose Jaw is pretty small and there was not too much there, still it was fun to walk around.
After Moose Jaw we headed North to Saskatoon. This was a fairly long drive with really not too much happening. So when we finally got to Saskatoon at around 4 we decided to keep going to Cold Lake that night. It was only a couple more hours and we both decided there was not much we wanted to do in Saskatoon. Although I am sure it is quiet lovely.
So we stopped for some Timmies and gas and kept driving. This drive was really nice! After a lot of flat land, we finally got lots of trees and some hills. Northern Saskatchewan was very pretty and not too busy. One part of the drive we saw A LOT more deer than other cars. We stopped once in a small town to get some gas (And I mean tiny town!). Then we kept driving. Finally we crossed into Alberta, listening to Alberta Bound by Paul Brandt. And we kept seeing deer, seriously I have never seen so many of them. Everywhere we looked it was more. On both sides of the road, crossing the road, in the distance, everywhere!
We got to Cold Lake fairly late, but drove to Joel's aunt and uncle's house and met everyone. We got there and Joel's aunt made us grilled cheese for dinner as well as tea. It was pretty nice! We then brought us stuff in and got nice and warm in a real bed again! And we get this bed for the next couple nights! Lucky us :)
This museum is by donation and is totally worth whatever you decide to pay because it was very interesting! Although it was mostly geared towards younger kids (I think) it was really fun and had some interesting facts and displays. Lot of information. We could have spent a couple hours just walking around their three different areas. We did probably spend about two hours there and learned a lot. Mostly about the dinosaurs and the land as well as the Native people who used to live in Saskatchewan. It was a museum (clearly) all about Saskatchewan!
After the museum we headed to Moose Jaw. This is a city which was apparently headquarters to Al Capo at one time. Although this is just a rumor it is possible, as there are lots of underground tunnels heading not only through the city, but also into America. So we parked the car and walked around. The original plan was to go to a spa which had mineral water specialized from this area. But we decided it wouldn't be worth it and instead drove around town for a bit. It was cool to see all the different buildings and tourist attractions. Although all-in-all Moose Jaw is pretty small and there was not too much there, still it was fun to walk around.
After Moose Jaw we headed North to Saskatoon. This was a fairly long drive with really not too much happening. So when we finally got to Saskatoon at around 4 we decided to keep going to Cold Lake that night. It was only a couple more hours and we both decided there was not much we wanted to do in Saskatoon. Although I am sure it is quiet lovely.
So we stopped for some Timmies and gas and kept driving. This drive was really nice! After a lot of flat land, we finally got lots of trees and some hills. Northern Saskatchewan was very pretty and not too busy. One part of the drive we saw A LOT more deer than other cars. We stopped once in a small town to get some gas (And I mean tiny town!). Then we kept driving. Finally we crossed into Alberta, listening to Alberta Bound by Paul Brandt. And we kept seeing deer, seriously I have never seen so many of them. Everywhere we looked it was more. On both sides of the road, crossing the road, in the distance, everywhere!
We got to Cold Lake fairly late, but drove to Joel's aunt and uncle's house and met everyone. We got there and Joel's aunt made us grilled cheese for dinner as well as tea. It was pretty nice! We then brought us stuff in and got nice and warm in a real bed again! And we get this bed for the next couple nights! Lucky us :)
Thursday, 2 May 2013
Day 72: Snow and Flat Roads
We awoke last night a couple times. Joel because it was so cold and me because I swear that there was a drug deal going on outside our car. I lay awake for 45 minutes and during that time 10 or 15 cars came and went, each time people would get out of their car and then 5 min later get back in and zoom off! Who does that at Walmart at 4 30 in the morning?
But luckily when we woke up there was no signs of anything except snow and normal people doing their groceries. Wonder what it was all about? But the weather was still cold and cloudy with some snow still falling! So Joel and I quickly got dressed ( jeans were very cold!) and headed to the couple places in Winnipeg I wanted to see. We later learned that it was minus 5 when we woke up! I wonder how cold it was all night?! And on the first of May!
Our first stop was the grave of Louis Riel a métis revolutionary. He was a part French and part Indigenous leader who helped form the province of Manitoba as we know it today. He was born and buried near what is Winnipeg although his big stand was made North of Saskatoon. Maybe we will go see that too!
After the grave which was in a very nice part of Winnipeg with a very nice church we looked around the area. We also saw the grave of the first white family that settled out West. Then we went as saw an old fur trade fort. We walked around for a bit, but the snow and the wind quickly convinced us to head back to the car.
After discovering the east side of the river we cross the Red River, which was very much flooded, and went to discover forks. The area where the real fur trading fort used to stand. It is the place where the Assiniboine and Red River meet or where they fork into two, thus the area if known as forks. We walked around outside for a bit looking around, but once again with the cold we went inside quickly. There was a lovely market there and we wondered for a while.
Seems we have spent lots of time at markets and this one was nice. Lots of food options and some really cool crafts too! I almost bought another painting and Joel almost bought a buffalo!
When we finished up in Winnipeg we headed to Saskatchewan! And as we drove the weather got nicer and the snow less. Although there were no wild flowers like the guidebook promised there would be in May! Maybe still too early?
We finally did get to Regina and found a nice Walmart outside the city. We had already decided that we were going to grab a nice meal and watch the NHL playoffs so we headed off to find an Earls. We got there around 6 only to learn it was really 5! We didn't realize we had gained another hour!! Oh well, we sat an watched and talked for a couple hours an it was delicious, burger, steak, fries, and chocolate cake! We deserved a nice meal!
After watching the game we headed back to the Walmart which at this time already had 4 campers parked there! And then later that night it would become something like 6 and 2 trucks! It was a overnight party here. Probably the most cars we have seen at a Walmart! Well tomorrow we head to explore Regina and discover Moss Jaw!
But luckily when we woke up there was no signs of anything except snow and normal people doing their groceries. Wonder what it was all about? But the weather was still cold and cloudy with some snow still falling! So Joel and I quickly got dressed ( jeans were very cold!) and headed to the couple places in Winnipeg I wanted to see. We later learned that it was minus 5 when we woke up! I wonder how cold it was all night?! And on the first of May!
Our first stop was the grave of Louis Riel a métis revolutionary. He was a part French and part Indigenous leader who helped form the province of Manitoba as we know it today. He was born and buried near what is Winnipeg although his big stand was made North of Saskatoon. Maybe we will go see that too!
After the grave which was in a very nice part of Winnipeg with a very nice church we looked around the area. We also saw the grave of the first white family that settled out West. Then we went as saw an old fur trade fort. We walked around for a bit, but the snow and the wind quickly convinced us to head back to the car.
After discovering the east side of the river we cross the Red River, which was very much flooded, and went to discover forks. The area where the real fur trading fort used to stand. It is the place where the Assiniboine and Red River meet or where they fork into two, thus the area if known as forks. We walked around outside for a bit looking around, but once again with the cold we went inside quickly. There was a lovely market there and we wondered for a while.
Seems we have spent lots of time at markets and this one was nice. Lots of food options and some really cool crafts too! I almost bought another painting and Joel almost bought a buffalo!
When we finished up in Winnipeg we headed to Saskatchewan! And as we drove the weather got nicer and the snow less. Although there were no wild flowers like the guidebook promised there would be in May! Maybe still too early?
We finally did get to Regina and found a nice Walmart outside the city. We had already decided that we were going to grab a nice meal and watch the NHL playoffs so we headed off to find an Earls. We got there around 6 only to learn it was really 5! We didn't realize we had gained another hour!! Oh well, we sat an watched and talked for a couple hours an it was delicious, burger, steak, fries, and chocolate cake! We deserved a nice meal!
After watching the game we headed back to the Walmart which at this time already had 4 campers parked there! And then later that night it would become something like 6 and 2 trucks! It was a overnight party here. Probably the most cars we have seen at a Walmart! Well tomorrow we head to explore Regina and discover Moss Jaw!
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