Don't Hide Your Lamp Under A Bushel


The Trolls and I finally took Gudrid, the camper, out for the first time this season. My maternal grandmother's side of the family had a reunion this past weekend. This branch of my family has reunions regularly, and I think I have only missed one or two. It was Leif and Saga's first time attending. I was thrilled that it was to take place in Donalda, the village my grandma grew up in. I hadn't been there in 30 years. (how did it happen, that I can now say I did things 30 years ago?)

We stayed at the Donalda Campground, which was wonderfully convenient. Right on the edge of town, the powered sites were landscaped to have trees and flowerbeds between each spot. Having a motorhome is a new adventure for me and I'm happy to report that we had no technical difficulties. More importantly, the bed is super comfortable!



It was a bit of a soggy weekend, but every time we had a break in the rain we made the most of it. Donalda residents clearly take pride in their town. It's beautifully maintained. A sign on the World's Largest Lamp gave a clue to why. Anyone can get a bucket from the museum. When they return the bucket, full of weeds, they are paid in ice cream! Genius!!

The rain made it too treacherous to do the nature walk down the Meeting Creek Coulee, but the views were spectacular from the top. Fortunately, Donalda is close enough, we could pop over for a day trip sometime. Or camping at Buffalo Lake, which was the site of Gudrid's inaugural camping trip. Maybe the next trip will be timed around one of the drive in movies shown in the coulee.


Donalda used to be a stop on the Alberta Prairie Railway, which was an important source of tourism.  Fundraising efforts are underway to rebuild the track so the train can come back again. In the meantime, the train station is beautifully maintained. It has a spectacular view of the coulee on one side and Main Street on the other.

The old bank now houses an Art Gallery which is currently exhibiting the work of Zoe DeCnodder. Judging by the brown paper parcels under people arms (including mine), Zoe made out pretty well with the relatives!



Of course, when we found a bridge, Leif and Saga, being trolls, had to go hang out under it! Personally, I didn't see any other trolls, but perhaps they were having a family reunion of their own!


Donalda's Museum's claim to fame is having the world's largest collection of lamps. Everything from Aladdin to Gone With the Wind. Ironically, I didn't take any pictures of lamps. 

For my family, the big draw is my Great-Grandmother's wedding dress. Cousin Rita pointed out that Granny wasn't having a great hair day, but we were delighted all the same!

Leif and Saga were fascinated by the mousetrap. It looked like it was a tool of the French Revolution!


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