My Copilot Is A Troll

Etzikom, Alberta is a tiny hamlet. Though it's not big, it is well kept and charming. Every corner has different black forged street signs depicting rural life and pioneers. It has no services, so pack a picnic lunch and make sure you have enough gas in your tank. We came here straight from Red Rock Coulee, since we were more than halfway already and always want to go.  Why, you ask? Etzikom is home to a windmill museum. The museum itself is closed for the season, but since it main draw is the windmills and they are outside, we decided to check it out. It's very thoughtfully laid out on grounds that are generous and well kept. A winding, paved path meanders around the outdoor portion of the museum. It encourages visitors to have a leisurely amble. A couple of picnic tables under poplar trees was the perfect place to have our picnic lunch. Judging by the museum's facebook page, when it's open, it's the place to go for pie and ice cream! It's not a far

Red Rock Coulee is a spectacular geological site. In my opinion, it's a must see site for anyone who loves a good rock. It's easy to find, just turn South at Seven Persons and drive until you get to it. The last bit is a gravel road. It's not recommending in wet conditions, but is fairly easy hiking when dry. (Let's be honest, Southern Alberta rarely has wet conditions!) There are no facilities, and it can be hot and windy. So be prepared, have a hat and water. Wear proper footwear, it is rattlesnake country and the ground is silty. It moves under your feet like fine sand and could have gopher holes anywhere.  For those adventurers who are a little less mobile, there are still fantastic views from the top. You don't have to climb down among the rocks to appreciate them. It's absolutely worth bringing the whole family. There is a picnic table at the site, but the gap in the fence for hikers is too narrow for wheelchairs or large strollers. A baby backpack would b

Medicine Hat (or The Hat) has a beautiful downtown, filled with unique restaurants, shops and parks. In addition to pottery and glass, bricks were produced locally, which makes for some amazing turn of the century architecture. Rudyard Kipling visited in 1907. Upon learning about the huge natural gas deposits in the area, uttered his famous quote "This part of the country seems to have all Hell for a basement, and the only trap door appears to be in Medicine Hat." The city's original planners filled the Hat with parks and greenspaces. In more recent eras, the entire city has been connected through and elaborate trail system.  There are people who are part of your life that time does not affect. My oldest friend is one of those people. Marcella and I met when I was 12. Our lives were so intertwined as teenagers, that she was with me on most of our first adventures. We were in 4-H, youth group and high school together. Our parents became friends and we married b

 September 25, 2022 Crockstock You may or may not know that Medicine Hat is famous, not only for natural gas production, but also pottery and glass blowing. Medalta Pottery and Altaglass are highly prized collectible antiques. I got to see glassblowers on school field trips, while Altaglass was still operational (and we toured the kitchen of Burger King, where we were generously given a single onion ring each!?! You can't make this stuff up!) I told you they take coffee seriously Just in case you couldn't see Leif and Saga A number of years ago, Medalta Potteries was restored and turned into a museum. They still had the original molds and are producing pottery for their gift shop. They also showcase local artists. Fun fact we learned today while going through the display of dinnerware. To get certain shades, like a deep, rich orange, the glaze contained uranium and the dinnerware is radioactive. The curator is hoping to get a Geiger counter someday! In r

Day One, Part Two Small towns that aren't on the main road are hidden treasures. Today I explored one of these Prairie Gems. I have driven past the sign for the turn off innumerable times. It always caught my eye because there was a sign for a tea room on the highway. So, I turned. And this is was I found! Delia's Main Street. Nothing adds charm like a mural! Delia, Alberta is the most delightful little village. They are obviously very proud of their heritage. There are storyboards all over town with vintage photos and explanations about the history of the homesteaders and original businesses.      Wooden grain elevators are an endangered species. Such an important part of our prairie and homesteader heritage. Delia has much to be proud of. It was the first place in Canada to have a woman as the head of a municipality. Violet Barss was mayor in 1919! Gotta love a General Store with a tractor parked in front. In addition to groceries, they also se

There are going to be three legs to this journey, over 2 1/2 weeks. Leg one is 5 days in Medicine Hat visiting family. A road I have traversed, oh so many times. How is going to my Mom's house an adventure? This time it will be different. Point A to Point B will not be a straight line. Caramel Macchiato, Ham & Cheese Bun, Cinnamon Bun First things first! Breakfast and coffee. I'm going to make a concerted effort to support local business as much as I can. I also intend to do as much of my Christmas shopping as possible on this adventure, buying from local artisans and craftspeople. Hmmm, sounds like I need a Christmas ... (wait for it) ... list! Trip is set to 0! Remember how I said that one of the things I really wanted to do is go on a road trip that allows for random stops, whenever the mood strikes? Today was the first day of my adventure, and I did just that! I have lost count of the number of times we have driven Hwy 9. There is a strikingly beautiful valle