Rosebud Dinner Theatre

Tues., August 9, 2011
We both enjoyed our drive out to Rosebud this morning.  Rosebud is a hamlet located about an hour and a half north-east of Calgary.  The rolling hills are green and lush because of all the rain we have had this year.  We are staying in our 5th wheel trailer right in the Rosebud campground.  The people in this small community are very friendly.
Rosebud School for the Arts is a 4 year theatre training program in which students specialize in performance or the technical side of theatre. 

Wed., August 10, 2011
Today we are taking in the Dinner Theatre over at the Rosebud Opera House.  There is a full house today with 200 people attending.  We had a small waiting time before being ushered to our table, but there is lots to look at in the lobby.  The buffet is delicious with lots of  variety.  We both enjoyed the seafood salad as it was different and very tasty.
After lunch we did a quick tour of the museum across the street and a few of the gift stores.
The acting in "Jake and the Kid" by W.O. Mitchell, which is the current production, is first class.  We thoroughly enjoyed it as it is heart-warming with lots of laughs, a few sad moments and is a typical story of early prairie life.   We were both glad that we had decided to spend our day watching this.

Highwood Pass, Kananaskis Country, Alberta

July 25, 2011

Kananaskis is located west of Calgary, Alberta, Canada in the front range of the Rockies.
It takes about an hour from the south end of Calgary to get there.  Our trip today took us five hours, including many stops and a picnic lunch.
We left our home in Bragg Creek and travelled to Turner Valley, Black Diamond and on to Longview.  On the north side of Longview you head south-west on Highway 541 toward the foothills and then loop back to the north thru the Rockies on Highway 40. 

The Highway 40 going thru the Highwood Pass is only open from about the end of June to December.  Winters find the pass closed as it is goes thru a classic arctic tundra.  The Highwood Pass is the highest navigable pass in Canada.  Highway 40 climbs to an elevation of 7,200ft at the top.  The summit is about at the tree line, and the alpine areas are accessible here with interpretive trails thru the Highwood Meadows.

We turned off on the Smith-Dorren Spray Trail to go to the Kananaskis Lakes to check out the campsites for future visits.  The Lower Kananaskis Lake is a natural lake that was turned into a reservoir.  It is in the Peter Loughheed Provincial Park, along with the Upper Kananaskis Lake. 
These lakes are part of a series of natural and man made reservoirs in the Kananaskis and Bow Valleys used for hydro electric power, flood control and water reserves for the City of Calgary.

Upper Kananaskis Lake

These lakes are also used for many recreational activities.  Several campgrounds are found here.  It seems that there are only a few sites that actually are close to or back onto the lakes edge.  There are several paved bike trails connecting the campgrounds. 

Upper Kananaskis Lake

Canoeing and kayaking are great on these lakes as it is smooth and shallow at some of the shores.  The water is a peaceful emerald green with beautiful shades of blues and there are majestic mountains as a backdrop.  It is a beautiful setting.  If you are going to go boating down the Kananaskis River watch out for rapids, such as the "Widow Maker".  You can only guess the reason why it is named this. 

There is also a golf course nearby, along with fishing and hiking.  In the winter there is skiing and cross country skiing.
If you are going to hike here remember this is Bear Country so travel in groups, make noise, and carry bear spray.  Often trails where bears have been sighted will be closed or will have warnings posted.

Also, think twice about drinking from the icy cold clear mountain streams that can look so tempting.  You can get giardiasis, parasites and bacteria by drinking this untreated water and the results are not good.

It is Monday today and the highway is not busy, so we see alot of wildlife along the way today.  There were many mangy looking mountain sheep right on the road licking up salt and minerals from the asphalt. 

Along with a long-legged young moose who was drinking from a small stream that was trickling down the ditch.

There were many white tail deer and even a smaller black bear that ran out of the bush and turned around to run right back in it.  The ground squirrels were very active today, too.  The wild flowers are in full bloom right now and the hillsides are covered in purples and the ditches have alot of red flowers in them.

It was a nice day trip!

Bragg Creek Pow-Wow

July 24, 2011
Represented were the Treaty 7 First Nations of Siksika, T'suu Tina, Nakoda (Stoney) and many others.

Aboriginal Family Day, Calgary

June 25, 2011
Today we went into downtown Calgary to the Aboriginal Family Day held at the Shaw Millennium Park.  This seems great for getting  younger people involved in their culture, traditions and art.  These connections are vital in sustaining the traditions and ancestral history of the Aboriginal and Metis people.

A modern pow-wow is an event where First Nations People and non-first nations people gather to dance, sing, socialize and honor their culture.
It is a time for all Canadians to celebrate the culture of First Nations and Metis people.

Blackfoot Crossing, Cluny, Alberta

July 1, 2011
Today we visited the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park located in the Siksika Nation at Cluny, Alberta.  It is 100km east of Calgary on Hwy 1 and then 7km south on Highway 842.

This area of the Bow River was traditionally a gathering place for the Siksika and Blackfoot people where they hunted for bison.  The crossing is an important place in Canadian history as the Treaty 7 was signed here between the native nations of what is now southern Alberta and the Canadian government on behalf of the Crown in 1877.
Crowfoot, chief of the Siksika, is to have died and been buried here along with Poundmaker, a chief of the Cree who had been cermonially adopted by Crowfoot in order to create peace between the Blackfoot and the Cree.
In 1925, the federal government declared the traditional gathering site and the treaty signing site as one of the  "National Historic Sites of Canada".

In 2007, a stunning new facility was built which is a historical site and a tourist attraction.  It includes an interpretive centre, monuments, tipis and hiking trails. 

The new centre is built along the top ridge of the Bow River valley yielding a great view of the whole valley.  Being up on this naturally elevated look out point gives you an idea about what it would have been like years ago looking out over the whole valley and it has a spiritual feeling.
 The building's unique design includes elements of the plains tipi and feathers.  There are excellent exhibits and at certain times there are films and other cultural events such as ceremonial dancing.  There is a gift shop that has several beautiful native art pieces and paintings.

 You can also take a walk to an archiological dig where it is believed Mandan Indians established an encampment hundreds of years ago.

History and culture of the Blackfoot combined to make an interesting outing.   During our visit today there was only a handful of other visitors to the site.  I would highly recommend this museum to learn about the Blackfoot history, their traditions and culture, their clothing and even their language.

There are no photos allowed inside.

B.C. Interior Loop, Looking Back to Sept., 2010

Sept. 1, 2010  We packed up the "Terry" 5th Wheel and set off to explore by doing a loop in the interior of B.C. 

Our first stop was Golden, B.C. where we got a camping spot along the river.  There is a walking path along the river which leads to the town centre. 
We went to the outdoor market and bought a loaf of homemade wholewheat bread and some fresh honey.  Later, we took Jake for a walk along the river path and he got full of burrs from some plant there.  Good location, but lots of noise from the trains at night. 

Thurs. Sept 2, 2010  We walked around the town centre again.  We found a book store that had a coffee shop upstairs amongst the used books.  We both found this interesting and purchased a book with Italian recipes.  When we finished our coffee we walked along the river to the new wooden bridge.  The water in the river is such a nice color and would make for a good painting.

Bridge at Golden, B.C.

We then decided to drive up to the Kicking Horse Resort and Ski Hill as we heard there were some great views to be seen up there.  When we got up there we decided to take the gondola to the very top of the mountain and we were glad that we did that.  You felt that you were at the top of the world when you reached the summit and the views were exactly what we were told.  And of course, Greek food for supper in the town centre.

Golden, B.C.

Kicking Horse, Golden, B.C.

Friday., Sept. 3, 2010   We got up early to drive to Revelstoke and then on down to Nakusp.  It is the start of the long week-end and we want to get ahead of the traffic which will be on the roads later today. 

The ferry ride across the Upper Arrow Lake was really nice.  Geo thought he was at the ocean again. 

From the Ferry, Upper Arrow Lake, B.C.

Upper Arrow Lake, B.C.

Once we were back on the road, I saw a big moose down off in the marshy area.    I forgot to mention that on Weds. on Hwy #1 just past Lake Lois, hawk-eye Geo spotted a huge silver tip grizzly back in the edge of the trees.  This was a beautiful big bear with the silver glow on the tips of its hair. 

We arrive at Nakusp, a quiet little town on a huge lake.  We are staying in the town campground which is in a natural treed area.  Nice.

Geo and Jake at Camp site in Nakusp, B.C.

On the road to Nakusp Hot Springs, B.C.

Sat. Sept 4, 2010  We walked around the town and had a nice lunch sitting on the hotel's patio over-looking the lake.  It's so quiet and peaceful here.  I wonder if it is busier during the peak of summer. 

Then we drove 14 km up the mountain to go to the hot springs.  It is a smaller hot springs that has nice hot pool which was not busy at this time either.  We had a good relaxing soak. 

Sun. Sept 5, 2010  Wow - we slept in until 9:00 - only to wake up to an ear ache and sore throat, so we took it easy this morning.  We walked along the lake again and stopped at the drive thru for lunch before going to our friends Mark and Rosie's for coffee.  They had previously lived in Calgary and now live in Naksup. 

Mon. Sept 6, 2010  Today we are on our way down the Slocan Lake Valley.  We both saw a big chocolate brown wolf on the side of the Hwy.  It seemed to be eating something and wasn't scared so we got a good look at it.

We then stopped at the river in New Denver to get out and stretch and look for the salmon going up stream to spawn.  We seen just a few red Kokanee in the river. 

We arrived at Nelson later in the afternoon and found we were booked into a really tight awkward camp spot.  Nelson is all built on the hillsides.  We found that we had a great view over looking the lake and valley which compensated for the problem of backing our trailer into this really tight spot.  Good practice - almost like parking in our yard back home.

There is an excellent off-leash walk area along the lake to walk Jake which we used often as we liked walking there.

Tues., Sept 7, 2010  Mostly laid low and relaxed.

Weds., Sept 8, 2010  We left Nelson and stopped in Cranbrook for lunch.  Then on to Lake Koocanusa where we will be staying in the Kikomun Creek Provincial Campground.  It's a really nice spot right on the lake.  Once again, it is very quiet at this time of the year. 

Thurs., Sept 9, 2010   It rained again last night and has cooled off.   We drove back into Jaffray, filled diesel and stopped for lunch.  We stopped at a place off of the road and down into a stream bottom.  The people at the campground had told us about this spot.  Sure enough we got to see a lot of small bright red Kokanee salmon in the pond of this stream.

Kokanee Salmon in stream

I am glad we didn't see the bear that they also told us about.  They said it feeds on the salmon down there every evening.  Geo teased me because I left the truck door open for quick escape if needed.

This part of our trip was the most relaxing as there was no Internet connection and the cell phone was weak.  It had cooled off a lot during the night and we woke up to damp wet weather.  A sign to go home.

Fri., Sept 10, 2010  We enjoyed our drive home thru the Fernie area and mountains.

Sunshine Coast Trip, B.C., Looking Back to May, 2010

Weds., May 19, 2010  Our plan is to travel a loop of the Sunshine Coast, so to start we flew out to Vancouver and took the ferry across to Victoria. 

It was pouring rain on the way over but we still seen lots.  The ferry travelled close to the islands so you could see what was on them.  Interesting, some people seemed to have a whole island to themselves.
We are staying at the Harbor Towers Hotel - great location and room.  We walked to Fisherman's Wharf for fish and chips.  Geo said he wanted to move into one of the houseboats there to live.  I reminded him that people like us would be constantly walking by your window wondering what they looked like inside, so you would have to live with your blinds down.  Would you also feel the dampness all winter, too?

Thursday, May 20, 2010   We walked to the downtown  for breakfast and then to the Royal BC Museum.  This would be a good place to take the grand kids to visit as it is very educational and kid friendly.  I found the totems outside very interesting and took lots of pictures of them.

My painting of these Totems

Totems, Victoria, B.C.

Long House & Totem, Victoria, B.C.

We find that we always enjoy just walking along the water down in this area as there is lots to see.

Victoria

We then decided to go to Chinatown as neither of us had been there.  It was interesting but not that big.

In Chinatown, Victoria

Later that day, we went to Cousin Larry's for supper.  Ardis was away, so Larry ordered Chinese food for supper.  We had a good visit with him and all their girls.

Friday, May 21, 2010  Left Victoria for Ladysmith here we stopped and had coffee with Alana and Smokey (friends of ours who have just moved to retire in B.C.).
That night we arrived in Parksville to meet our friends Gary and Shirley for supper at their golf course.  We had a good visit with them.  We are staying at the Pacific Shore Resort and Spa in Nanoose Bay.  The room is new condo style with a fireplace and deck, but the walls are paper thin.  I listened to a frog croaking in the pond outside our door till 2:00pm.

"Irises"

Water Color Painting By Lynn Myette



Gary and Shirley's beautiful irises

Gary's Bonsai

Gary and Shirley grow all kinds of flowers, plants, trees.  fruit and vegetables  in their back yard and we find ourselves extremely jealous.   It would be so nice to have a warmer climate to do this.  I enjoy looking at Gary's many bonsai trees and different projects they are doing.

Saturday, May 22, 2010 The guys are going golfing and I am touring around.  I love to go to the Old School House Art Gallery close by in Qualicum.  Shirley cooked us a delicious -BBQ chicken for supper.

Sunday, May 23, 2010 We travelled up island to Comox and Courtney where we are staying at the Kingfisher Resort and Spa.  It is a quiet relaxing resort right on the ocean.  Nice room with a great view.

Kingfisher Resort and Spa

Monday, May 24, 2010 We got up early to take the ferry from Comox across to Powell River.  Then we drove from Powell River down the coast  to Saltery Bay to get on the ferry to cross to Earl's Cove.  From here we drove down the winding coast highway to Sechelt. 

Tonight we are staying at the Four Winds Beach House and Spa.  It is a B&B that is right on the ocean - you couldn't get any closer to the water.  Nice and quiet, and a great location!   We drove back into Sechelt for a Greek supper at Daphne's - delicious.

Four Winds Beach House Spa, Sechelt, B.C.

More Inspiration to Paint

My Iris Painting

Tuesday, May 25, 2010   We were served homemade baked goods/pastries straight from the oven, fresh fruit and then breakfast.  So good!  The view and yard at this B&B are great.

Four Winds

The drive down island to Gibson's this morning is shorter and not as winding as yesterday.  We walked around the town down along the marina where the Beach Combers was filmed and seen Molly's Reach. 

Gibsons, B.C.

Gibsons. B.C.

Houseboat with Lots of trees/plants on it, Gibsons

Persephone, Gisons, B.C.

We walked around looking in a few art galleries and then went to the Ocean Breezes B&B where we will be staying.  We have a huge suite in this new house, with great views of the Strait of Georgia.  It has started to drizzle out and we are both feeling a little weary. 

Weds. May 26, 2010   Rain again!  We drove in the rain to take the last ferry from Gibson's to Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver where we will stay at the Old Sylvia Hotel on English Bay.  This is a really old hotel with lots of character and is right down on the water.  We find it has a good location for walking around and sight seeing. 

Sylvia Hotel, Vancouver, B.C.

Thursday, May 27, 2010  There are lots of good cheap breakfasts to be had on Denman Street.  We had eggs, bacon, potatoes and toast for $4.95 at the Japanese Grill and it was really good.  Now we are off to visit the big art gallery down town.  We arrive to find that two of the four flours are closed.  So we opt out and decide to go to the "Bill Reid Gallery" instead.  This turned out to be a good choice as we both found it very interesting.  It is a new gallery/ museum  and I would definitely recommend it.

Later, we met Cousin Ken and Louise, for supper downtown and then walked around the marina area with them. 

Downtown, Vancouver, B.C.

and then, back to English Bay for coffee with them and some great sunsets.

Sunset at English Bay, Vancouver, B.C.

It is always so nice to see all of them for a visit.  The guys are making up for all the years that they didn't see each other while growing up in different provinces, this was really to bad as they all get along really good and have lots in common.  So here's to many more visits and golf games!!

Friday, May 28, 2010  We are leaving this morning to fly back to Calgary.  We won't be going home but will just be making a connection flight to go to Grand Prairie.  Here we will be renting a car and driving an hour to Dawson Creek to visit sister Blanch for the week-end.  We had a good visit in Dawson Creek, too.