Round 3 - Prairie Oasis, Hanna, AB

Site #32: $35. (x5) p/w

The week forecast was HOT HOT. So Prairie Oasis sounded like the perfect place to hang. We loaded up the RV Sunday morning and 2.5 hours later we were enjoying a cold one. 

The beach was busy, but all those Sunday day-users headed home for dinner. We were surprised to see a number of young families arrive to camp however. Usually we just get fellow Seniors this time of year. Things are certainly different during the Covid times. Parents not working and kids not in school.

Someone was in our usual site so we parked next door. I think I like it better. Ron didn't like the dandelion puffs, so they got broomed. Lol...

But I have to admit, it did look better after! 

As predicted the weather has been awesome. We've enjoyed walks along the beach and throughout the campground. 

We've had two great evenings around the campfire.  We will be chillin' out here until Friday or Saturday.... (Ha! Right! "chilling out" in the upcoming 28C, 32C and 34C temps.)

Storm Stayed

Thurs: I was afraid to get out of bed. And yes, my fears were realized. That "s" word. Our neighbours who checked out early were probably the smart ones.

However, if we would have gone home Wednesday, we would have missed out on a very lovely evening around the fire. This Sports Brella is awesome. It protects from wind and holds in the heat. Thank you, Dave!

Although a few people headed home, there were still many checking in. You can always count on die-hard long weekenders despite some ugly forecasts.

So, Thursday was mostly spent indoors. We watched curling on my tablet and Ron did his daily Ancestor and dead people searches. Yay wifi! I did get out for a couple walks and yes there were other crazy people out and about. 

As mentioned earlier, I love to paint and hide rocks for the little ones to find. I label them all Facebook: "Medicine Hat Rocks" and some people will post their finds there. It warms my heart to see my rocks being found and posted!

Friday arrived and we had planned to head home. There was no snow accumulation in the campground, but unfortunately the same was not true for Medicine Hat. In fact, the highway eastbound from Redcliff to Med hat was closed in the morning due to a semi rollover and a multi vehicle accident. So decision made. Another night of camping. It turned out to be a great day. No wind  makes such a difference. Really..an afternoon delight.

And with empty fridge and no clean underwear it will be back to city life tomorrow.

Tues: "It's All Good in the Trailer Hood"

Sunday and Monday were perfect in the Rolling Hills. Today?? WIND! Yikes, like BIG wind.  Thankfully we are a bit protected at our site. On the upper rows of this campground, hang on to your hat! And your kids!! You can't tell how windy it is from this pic. There are white caps on the water. We are hearing zero visibility on Hwy 1 near Brooks from blowing dust.

I forgot to mention the funny thing that happened when we checked in here. Ron came for me when our first choices for a campsite were not available. I went back into the office with him plus our campground map to point out another choice and to see if that one was available. The check-in lady looks at me and says "You have an old man."  My mouth was literally hanging open (underneath my mask of course) and I was left rather speechless.  I looked at Ron then back at her with wide eyes not quite sure what to say.  "Your MAP... your map is old." she says. We had quite a chuckle and Ron informed her I had both - an old man and an old map! lol...

After the Sunday crowd left, things have been pretty quiet. Well, except for those lawn mowers. This place just opened last Friday and the yard maintenance staff are busy. This has to be one of the cleanest, best kept campgrounds we visit. (Much to Ron's disappointment -- there are no surprise treasurers to be found here!)

We continue to enjoy our usual biking and hiking.  This big guy ran out and startled us during yesterday's walk! I've never seen such a huge jackrabbit!!

I have painted and hidden a few more rocks in the playground. Hopefully the little weekend visitors will find them.

It's great to have wifi here.  I actually caught a few ends of the World Curling Doubles competition that was shown on YouTube yesterday and today. Go Canada go!

We are hoping we can make it to Friday without the rain or snow showers they have hinted at. I am opting to use the weather app that isn't showing that particular forecast.

We may not be able to have a campfire this evening due to the wind, but I do believe a cocktail is in order. Cheers!

Round 2 - Rolling Hills Reservoir

Rolling Hills, Rainer, AB

Site #26: $40. (x6) p only

Our mobile RV Mr Fix-it stopped by on Thursday and patched our leaking water tank and hot water heater for $60 !! You can't beat that service. We should have used him for our other repairs. I'm pretty sure he would not have charged anywhere near the $900 we paid at the RV shop!

After taking a look at at the weather forecast we decided to try another campout. This morning, Sunday, we brought the trailer home, packed up some beer and beans and here we are at Rolling Hills Reservoir south of Brooks. Just over an hours drive from the Hat.

The weather wasn't looking great for the upcoming long weekend so we decided we'd only stay to Friday morning. However, after paying for the 5 nights, we now see that the ugly weather could be creeping in as early as Thursday. I hope we don't regret that extra night! Anyway today was perfect. There are people on the beach and in the water!? The weather was awesome at 26C. Summer!?

At our last camping spot we saw nesting geese and eggs. Today we enjoyed all the gosling's. It was a great day of biking, walking and an evening fire and sunset.  It was particularly enjoyable when the weekend crowds and boaters headed home. So quiet and peaceful!  Looking forward to a great week!!

Back in the Hat

Well that was short and sweet. We really hated to come home, but water is a big issue -- or the lack there of!! Our fresh water tank was leaking (on the ground) and we were running out of water. We had this problem a few years ago and had a patch job done. I'm not sure if it can be patched again or if we will need a new tank. That could be a problem!!?  There is no potable water in the campground, so when you run out, that's it! And our hot water line is also leaking. That one means a wet floor. ugh...

Anyway, we did have a good time. It was great to be out in the 5th wheel again. More biking and walks and I did manage to paint and hide a few rocks around the campground.

There were a few more campers that arrived for the weekend. That was unfortunate for our nesting goose as a family ended up parked right beside the nest. The eggs didn't survive those interested little fingers and the prodding.  

It was disappointing to see some larger 'gatherings' without social distancing or masks in place. With rising numbers in Medicine Hat (200 +) I expect we will soon be added to the provincial restrictions list and find our activities limited again. I just hope this isn't my first and last camping post for the season! Oh, and curling on TV?? Not going to be happening for a few days. We are hearing co-vid amongst the broadcasting crew. The curlers have been cleared and will be back on the ice, we just won't see it for a few days -- or maybe not at all?

Dark clouds rolling in Saturday evening at Golden Sheaf park leading to a short light rain.