Our Writing on Stone ventures

Writing on Stone Prov Pk
Site #21/22 - $25 (x5), Temp 2C

It was great seeing this park through someone's eyes who hasn't visited before. Writing on Stone didn't disappoint. Those hoodoos are impressive! There were a lot of visitors picnicking in the day use area when we arrived, but only a few campers were in the park so we had our choice of sites. We set up camp, checked out the beach area, enjoyed a salmon dinner and sat around the campfire.

We had a good visit with the Park host. He is a retired army vet who lives in Victoria. He had been stationed between SK, AB and BC and is an avid fisherman and hunter. He and Richard had much in common. He had applied to host at campgrounds in all three provinces and was 'awarded' this park. He had only been here 5 days, but has been busy touring around and hopes to visit more AB parks on day's off.

Monday after breakfast we headed for the self guided hoodo hike. Again I was very proud and happy with my ability to keep up. I was up and down the hills like a pro. It was a most enjoyable 6 km, 2 hour walk. We took many pictures but I'll only share a few here. You can check out the photo website link on the RV Times website for more pretty! 

We came across a BIG rattlesnake sunning on the side of the path. He moved undercover so quickly it was difficult to get a good photo -- and not get too close!! Also, it was surprising on how many geese were nesting up there. One has to wonder if their eggs will survive those rattlesnakes and if they survive the hatch, how will they get off those high perches!? 

We did another hike on Tues. It seemed we spent a LONG time wandering in circles trying to find that 'short cut' to the campground that Ron insisted was there! The sun was hot (27C) and a cold beer was much appreciated when we finally got back to the RVs.

We had hoped to do the tour through the 'restricted area', but unfortunately they are only doing these tours on weekends right now. We went for a drive thinking we might find some access in to that area, but no such luck! It is very well fenced. We did come across this poor guy who picked the wrong time to cross the road.  Yup, he's quite dead--

Back at the trailer we had a game of dominoes and another fine evening around the fire. We said our goodbyes, and Richard & Janice were gone by 8 am Wednesday. 

Ron and I decided to spend a couple more nights in the park. We moved to their site next door which was a little more private and protected. Because, BIG winds on Wed. We did not envy R & J driving up to Drayton Valley in that!

As for Ron and I, a couple more walkabouts, quiet times reading and going through photos, some "Sequence" games and a couple more campfires. A little more time indoors because brrrrr... Thurs was frickin' cold and windy (8C). It was also noted that we were the only ones left in the campground this morning (besides the host). We were going to head to Rolling Hills Reservoir next, but decided with the weather and a potentially busy long weekend, we would head home for a few days. Back to camping on Monday hopefully!

Happy Mother's Day from Cardston!

Lee Creek Campground
Site #43 - $30, full service, Temp 21C

Short and sweet was our stay at Cardston.  The best part was having wifi!!  It is always good to get caught up on all things internet!

The three enjoyed the Remington Carriage Museum, we all went for a short a walk, we enjoyed a Tiger Shrimp dinner a la exterieur and then we sat sipping wine around the fire. A lovely evening indeed!  Ron and I had a chuckle at these two 'stealing wood' from the neighbouring yard. Thieves!!

We had a rather lazy morning. Enjoyed a pancake breakfast, R and J did a load of laundry and rode their bikes up to see the Mormon Temple. We've had our lunch, will load up and continue on our way. Have a happy mom's day all.  We will lose cell service at Writing on Stone unless we drive to the top of the hill.

Was-up? at Wasa Lake, BC

Wasa Prov Pk
Site #4 - no charge, not open (x3) shared site. (Chg night 3 as park open & attendant by)

What a great three nights at Wasa Lake. Good company, a pretty setting and the weather was decent. No snow! The nights were pretty cool but our catalytic heater takes the chill off. That's how we roll when there is no power available.

There is a great bike path around the lake and we did some bike tours about the community.

We went on a 1 ½ hour, 4 km or so, hike up the hill behind our campsite. That was the most hiking/climbing I've done in many years and I was pretty proud that I was able to keep up. We were treated to some lovely views at the top.

We picked up a couple little treasurers at the local flea market and we managed to get away with a light sentence for good behaviour.

We found these 3 locals quite entertaining as they frolicked about and put on a little performance for us. Mr Llama was not to be trusted. He liked to spit! The donkey was pretty sweet though.

On Friday we drove to Kimberly and checked out some of the local tourist shops. Things are pretty quiet in this town between seasons. The skiers are gone and the summer crowd has not yet arrived. We didn't leave too much of our money behind.

So yes! Fun times, busy times with the walks, bikes, campfires plus "happy hours" and yummy meals.  Richard and Ron kept us well supplied with wood, pine cones and pine needles to keep the home fire burning.

We got lucky once again. Two of those nights were free as the campground and showers weren't officially open. We did pay for our last night (Fri) stay, but it's been bargain camping to date! Then there was this free pedicure thrown in! Perfect.

We were on the road by 9:15 am. with a quick lunch break in the Pincher Creek Coop Parking lot. We are spending tonight at Cardston with full hook-ups and wifi. It will give us a chance to 'charge up', stock up and empty our tanks. Ron, Richard and Janice are headed to the Remington Museum as I type. I opted out this time. Been there, done that!

 The weekend crowd should be gone from Writing on Stone which is where we will head tomorrow.

Bye Norbury Lake - hope we meet again..

We really enjoyed our stay at Norbury Lake. A big added bonus -- It was FREE. Noone came around the two nights we were there. I guess the park is not officially open and it isn't worth having an employee gather fees. There were approximately another 10 campers who enjoyed the "free ride" with us. I do hope we get a chance to visit this pretty and very quiet little campsite again! I will certainly miss those mass of crocuses!!

 There is another small lake across the highway from us. We road our bikes over and then enjoyed the short hike around the lake. More beauty to be seen! Some lucky people with cabins there. So serene!

It is so nice to be eating outside and enjoying some later campfires. It finally feels like camping weather!

Today we are headed to Wasa Lake just a short jaunt north. Ron's bro, Richard and Janice have already set up camp there and we look forward to spending time with them.

Norbury Lake, BC

Norbury Prov Pk
Site #6 - no charge (x2) noone came by! n/s, cell service

We said our goodbyes to Taber and hopefully the snow!?? As we left the park, there was a prison or remand centre gang in their orange jumpsuits along with their uniformed "supervisor" raking the campground! It was great see them out working off their "misdeeds"!

Despite the snow, it was a good 3 day stay. Many campfires, walks, some reading and relaxation. Gotta love camping!

So we are back 'online' - cell service again. We are certainly getting some news. We were bombarded with the announcement of Meghan Markle and baby.

Anyway, typical of our usual "no firm and last minute change of plans", we ended up at Norbury Lake Prov Pk, south of Ft. Steele. It was our first time visiting this park! Ahhhh..... that pine smell. What a nice quiet little park beside a beautiful little lake.



It's was a HOT 23C with sunshine!! What a day! And there are crocus's everywhere! LOVE Love them!!!

We did our bike tour, found the pretty little lake nearby, wood was gathered and chopped and -- BEER TIME!

A great day ending with an evening around the campfire. It was warm enough to be outside after dinner.

HO HO HO...Not!

Yup the forecasters were right about the snow. Damn. We had hoped it would be more wet than white!  We did have a short fire yesterday but we barely had time to barbecue dinner before the rain got heavier and turned to snow.

It would have been pretty if it wasn't May and if we weren't camping!

Anyway, our little electric heater has kept us warm and the temps are going up. I expect things will melt fast.

2:00 -- Another quick trip to town.Thankfully most of the snow has disappeared. We will be headed through the Crowsnest Pass tomorrow, so hope it's clear sailing! Our next stop is likely Kikomun Prov. Pk, south of Jaffray.  It will be nice to have cell service again!  In the meantime, this is how we have to try and capture that weak cell signal.... phones in window.

Tally ho to Taber

Taber Municipal Park
Site # 44 - $25 (x3), p only, Temp 11C

Well we made it through night one in the RV! Although it is never good to see snow in the ditches when you are headed for camping!

It was a big surprise to see all the other campers in the campground when we arrived. Crazy people, lol!! Obviously snow in the forecast doesn't deter people!

Anyway, we were able to grab our favourite spot and we set up camp.

It was decent enough in the sun and after a walking tour of the campground we enjoyed some of that free firewood. Cheers!

I have to say that I'm pretty excited that my campground tour now involves walking!! How cool is that!!?  It's been a lot of years since I've walked or hiked.

We went for a short hike this morning and then warmed up with some homemade soup for lunch.

It is cloudy and cooler at 5C today, but that didn't stop this young couple from saying "I do" on the river bank. Brrrr... those bare arms...

The cell service is sporadic to non-existent in this campground, so we will head to town shortly for some wifi. We haven't firmed up plans, but I think we are here until Monday.

Anticipating Spring will arrive?

This past week has been COLD. And WINDY. It's makes it difficult to get excited about camping. Today when we awoke to NO frost on our deck glass, we decided that it was time. And then came the rain with a mix of snow. Geez..... !@*!

But you know the old saying -- "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute." And yes after lunch the sun came out and the temp went up.  So we made the decision to pick up the old beast.

Most of our packing is done and Ron is working on a hot water tank leak. If all goes well, we will leave tomorrow and go as far as Taber for a few nights.  Updates will follow!

Later: That leak is repaired, the day's packing is done and we enjoyed an awesome meal of ribs on our deck. Seriously, it's hard to believe that there was snow this morning! Crazy weather!