After an amazingly restful night on dollar store air mattresses, we all woke up groggy but happy.
Today would be another long haul. Ew.
After a short drive, we arrived in Saskatchewan. Look closely, you might see Smelvin on the sign.
To be honest, there isn’t a lot to report other than the Trans Canada through most of Canada is 110km/hr except for all of the frigging construction. Like worse than Toronto construction.
Fortunately,there is only about 8 cars on the highway.
We hit Regina, which was a standstill with construction and had lunch at American chain restaurant “Carl’s Jr”.
It tasted fine, but wasn’t anything more than an overpriced “Burger King”.
Then of course we had to stop here:
Our 23rd Giant Tiger. Been to nearly every Giant Tiger across Canada during our journey. We missed 2 in Winnipeg because of parking.
They had an entire section dedicated to the Saskatchewan Rough Riders.
Pretty cool, but a little pricey for Giant Tiger. So I bought the cheapest thing, because I really don’t care about football.
After that, we drove on…
And on…
And on…
And on…
And on, for like a kajillion hours. It actually became a mission just to see if we would ever make it to the Alberta border.
Stupid other Ontarians photo bombing Smelvin:
We met a lovely lady at the Info centre who explained to the kids that she was a Vulcan because she lives in Vulcan, Alberta. She proceeded to quiz the kids on Star Trek, who have no idea what Star Trek even is, and used the intergalactic greeting of Vulcans universally, “Live ling and prosper”. She also explained to the kids that she had her ears cut off, opened a drawer at the desk and produced said Vulcan ears.
She was actually born in Kingston, Ontario so she knew all about where we were from, and not just because she was Vulcan.
She was friendly. That’s all I will say about that.
After that, we gunned it through the Alberta Badlands directly into a storm. Fortunately, the storm remained at bay and the mountains presented themselves through the clouds.
We stopped for a quick washroom break at Starbucks (also known as Kathy crack). Check out Kathy’s deep face. (It is a cute picture mind you):
We then had a look at Sylvia, who was in serious need of a shower.
Sylvia killed millions of creepy crawlers. You’re welcome.
And after a 3593 kilometres, we finally made it to destination #1. Home of Ken and Tamara Buck, Kathy’s western family! (Her Aunt Carol from Guelph just happened to be visiting as well!)
Ken, Carol, Kathy:
It needs to be told that Ken is an amazing photographer.
Absolutely phenomenal. He is working on a website, in the meantime, if you are interested in seeing his work, let me know. 😃
After a celebratory shot of Bailey’s and a cold beer, the night called.
Notes:
- Kathy doesn’t think the prairies are as flat as everyone says.
- The drive through westernmost Ontario and easternmost Manitoba was probably more boring than the prairies to be honest.
- Potash factories are huge and makes it looks like snow. A but if a culture shock when driving through the prairies.
- I totally pictured John Marsden on horseback as we drove through the prairies and the Badlands. I miss Red Dead Redemption.
- Did I mention Kathy’s Uncle Ken is an amazing photographer?
