Jeff in Edmonton and a Visit to Devon, Alberta

There's my boy....wee Jeffrey.  Meeting up with us in St. Albert, just outside of Edmonton at Tim Hortons.

Deb, Jeff and I hanging out for a few.

Not much room in the back for Jeff, but we made a tiny spot.  Lol.

The wonderful hospitality of Jeanette, my high school friend, Brian Hick's wife at her home in Devon.  A group shot of Deb, Jeanette, Therese and myself.

A greeting by a wee furry friend in Mason's room.

Devon became the site of one of the the largest oil discoveries in the world.

February 13th, 1947 Leduc No. 1 produced 317,000 barrels of oil and 323 million cubic feet of natural gas before it was decommissioned in 1974.

Ultimately there was a boom in the area after the discovery.  Edmonton and Calgary grew by double in the next few years.

Just outside of Devon is the "Leduc #1 Energy Discovery Centre" opened in 1997.  Many artifacts, photos and information about the greatest oil strike in Alberta.

Many drill bits used over the years to dig through the rocks during the search for oil.  

An oil pump in Alberta....seen everywhere.

Hanging out with my friend a Royal Mounted Police.  He laughs at my jokes.

Visiting Dee in Winnipeg

Catching up with another friend from school is Dee who now lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  

A lovely visit over dinner were we met her partner, Marie-Line.

Talking and catching up again.....but not waiting for 40 years for sure.

A Long Flat Ride Across 'The Bread Baskets' to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

We arrived in Saskatoon in the evening.....but when we woke, we were engulfed in a frosty winter wonderland.  Very beautiful.

A prairie province of over 651,900 square kilometres.

A population of more than 1,000,000 people most of whom live in southern part.

Saskatchewan became a province in the year 1905.

In 1992, the federal and provincial governments signed a historic land claim agreement with the First Nations in Saskatchewan.  They received compensation and were allowed to purchase land on the open market.  Acquiring over 3,079 square kilometres, are now reserved lands.

Saskatchewan's boundaries are Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Manitoba, Montana and North Dakota.

Saskatchewan has more hours of sunshine than any of the other Canadian province.

The economy of the province is based on agriculture, mining and energy.

Wheat is the crop that Saskatchewan is known for but it also produces other grains such as canola, flax, rye, oats, peas, lentils and barley.

Beef cattle is also produced here only surpassed by Alberta's contribution.

Other cities to visit would be Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw and Swift Current.....but that is another trip.

Travelling Across Manitoba...destination Winnipeg

Snap shots of the beautiful and expansive farm lands that this wonderful province provides us.

A Visit With June In Wawa

Arriving in Wawa after a beautiful day of driving through Northern Ontario heading to Thunder Bay.

The Ojibway First Nation is located near Wawa.  All along our journey through Ontario we came upon many First Nation reserves.  The colourful totem pole is right at the entrance to Wawa.

The road we will travel tomorrow.....way, way, over there.

The famous Wawa Goose.  "Wawa" means 'Wild Goose' in Ojibway.

About 50 years ago the people of Wawa believed their community would be missed after a by-pass (Trans-Canada highway) was completed about 1 mile from the downtown core.  Some one suggested that a HUGE monument in the shape of a Canadian Goose would welcome them and attract drivers to visit Wawa.

Debbie and her school mate June finally met up after over 40 years.

"It was awesome" says Deb.

An iconic store in Wawa.  Young's General Store....lots to see and have fun with.

Many First Nation crafts and authentic items.

Or homemade salami and pickles?

So fantastic for Deb and June to catch up.

Until we head back in April....June, husband Al and Deb.